Possible plasma effects on gyrotron operation

A detailed analysis of potential benefits of plasma introduction to gyrotro n devices as a method to improve their operation is presented on the basis of theoretical and experimental investigations, which are available up to d ate. It is stressed that introduced in a controlled way, plasma can result in a notable improvement of gyrotron performance. Particularly, it allows i ncreasing the output power and tunability, suppressing the mode competition , and enhancing the stability of operation on higher cyclotron harmonics, T hus the introduction of plasma appears to be a promising method for improve ment of gyrotron performance, Nevertheless, many aspects of plasma influenc e on gyrotron operation are still unclear. Hence in order to draw more comp rehensive conclusions about usefulness of a plasma fill in gyro-devices, in particular in order to arrive at quantitative results, additional systemat ic investigations are quite desirable.